am.mn logoLast week in Oslo President Obama confirmed that “evil does exist in the world.” Now scientists at a lab in Tower say they’ve seen signs deep under the Soudan Mine that something called “dark matter” also exists. Two particles of the theorized but previously undetectable substance that helps bind galaxies together seem to have penetrated a half-mile of Iron Range rock, but physicists say they need five such particles before they can be sure.

Elsewhere in Minnesota news this morning … 

STATEWIDE: Poor air quality today. Run-of-the-mill particles at ground level are the problem. [Associated Press]

ANOKA: Michele Bachmann says Garrison Keillor is “genius.”  Admiration may not be mutual between the former Anokans. [Political Pulse; OpenSecrets.org]

ST. PAUL: Campaign-finance board takes up Kelliher case next month. Its Jan. 12 inquiry into the state House Speaker’s gubernatorial campaign will be closed-door. [The Political Animal]

GRAND FORKS AFB: Iraq insurgents intercept drones’ video feeds. No harm done, the military says, even if desk jockeys in NoDak weren’t the only ones watching. [Wall Street Journal; Minnesota Public Radio]

ST. CLOUD: Soldiers learn of services back home via video. What would militant uplink-snoops make of that info? [St. Cloud Times]

CHISHOLM: Former Ironworld to stay shut after all. The Iron Range Resources commissioner won’t follow her board’s recommendation to re-open the Minnesota Discovery Center. [Hometown Focus]